WASHINGTON, DC - Laura Lichter, President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has been invited by the Senate Judiciary Committee to testify at a hearing on Comprehensive Immigration Reform today. This is the second of the hearings planned by the Committee to delve deeply into the bipartisan immigration reform proposal offered by the "Gang of Eight" last week. Ms. Lichter will be one of a number of witnesses who will speak on various issues addressed within the reform bill.

"I am honored to have the chance to offer some insight into the real-world impact of some of the provisions in the bill that the Committee has begun to consider. In general, I think the bill is a good framework, one that reflects the desire of the American public to create a commonsense immigration policy that will work for America in the 21st century. Right now, our economy and society are hampered by the mishmash of immigration laws and regulations that have been pasted and patched together over decades. We do not have a system that bolsters our prosperity; instead we are burdened by outdated policies that weigh America down," said Ms. Lichter.

The topics that Ms. Lichter has been asked to share her expertise on include families, refugees, due process, courts and counsel.

Ms. Lichter continued, "My testimony will focus on these issues because we in the U.S. value families: we respect the commitments spouses make through marriage to one another and to the children, and believe that families should be together and support one another. This is a value shared by most immigrants, and one that our laws should honor and promote. Further, in order to stay true to American values, our immigration system should welcome refugees fleeing persecution and danger. It is also vitally important that we ensure that immigration enforcement is done humanely, proportionately, and in a way that guarantees due process."

More information about the hearing is available on AILA's website.

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The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.